Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas

Holiday shopping can feel overwhelming so to help we’ve put together a list of ideas to make eco-friendly gifting a breeze. Eco-friendly shopping starts with being mindful of the impact our purchases have on the planet. When purchasing a gift, some considerations include what the item is made of, how it is packaged, and how long it will last. Opt for high quality and long-lasting items made from natural or recycled materials, with as little packaging as possible that can then be recycled.

Fun Experience Gifts

Science tells us that we get more happiness out of experiences. So, instead of gifting a thing, consider buying an experience for someone.

• Museum passes
• Dinner at a local restaurant
• Theater tickets
• Organic manicure
• Fun class
• Movie passes
• Tour tickets (be a tourist at home!)

Give Time or Skill

With our lives as busy as they are, simply gifting your time can be a real treat. You could choose a handful to fill this printable coupon book.

• Babysitting
• homecooked meal
• help with chores
• DIY spa day
• Home repair
• Gardening help

Gift Upcycled & Recycled

The website Uncommon Goods has a lot of recycled and upcycled items. Etsy is also a great source for eco-friendly and zero-waste gifts. Below are just a sampling of ideas.

• Salvaged wood cookbook stand
• Recycled bike accents
• Purses & Bags from upcycled fabric
• Durable bags made from old billboards
• Upcycled sketchpads
• Paper Bead jewelry
• Recycled lobster rope doormat
• MLB game used bat bottle opener
• Wool sweater mittens
• Hockey-stick snow brush
• Recycled glass nightlight
• Terracycle’s marketplace has lots of recycled items

Green Thumb Gifts

• Lead-free hose
• Houseplant & How to Grow Fresh Air
• Bird feeder or house
• Bee, Butterfly, or Bat house
• Blooming lollipops
• Rain barrel (& help with installation!)
• Mushroom log kit
• Butterfly puddler
• Rain gauge
• Recycled Planters

Zero Waste Gifts

Etsy and Life without Plastic are great sources for zero-waste gifts. Below are just a sampling of ideas.

• Produce bags
• Wool Dryer Balls (these are made in MI)
• Reusable Straws
• Good quality water bottle or travel mug (Kleen Kanteen and Hydroflask are great brands)
• Travel spork
• Glass snapware – for lunch or BYO to-go container
• Sandwich/Food wrap or Stasher bags
• Bar soap (hand, body, shave, or hair) – Ethique, Chagrin Valley
• Plastic-free dental floss

Support a Cause

• Make a donation to a charity in their name
• Maggie’s BeeKeeper socks
• Conscious Step socks that fight poverty
• Support Local food with a CSA subscription

SCARCE has no affiliation nor receives any compensation from the companies/products listed in this post.